REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO RECOGNIZE THE ALBUQUERQUE PARTNERSHIP FOR ITS LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATIONAL REFORM AND TO SUPPORT REFORM TO CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP IN EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, educational achievement for all students, regardless of race or ethnicity, should be New Mexico's number one educational priority; and

WHEREAS, the Albuquerque partnership has compiled significant research to assess the educational performance of students in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the Albuquerque partnership's research, as presented in its publication The 2001 Achievement Gap, clearly reveals there is a significant educational gap between Anglos and Hispanics in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the research also demonstrates that there continues to be an educational achievement gap after thirty years of various educational reform efforts; and

WHEREAS, the Albuquerque partnership continues to work with parents, neighborhood associations, community leaders, educators and elected officials to offer meaningful educational reform and options;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it support, and request the governor's support of, serious reform and greater options in areas of education to ensure that New Mexico closes the gap in educational performance between Anglo and Hispanic children; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and to the Albuquerque partnership.